What is Vanniyar Movement ? Vanniyars are one of the largest and most consolidated backward communities in Tamil Nadu They had raised massive protests in the mid-1980s demanding 20% reservation in the state, and 2% in central services. During agitation from September 17 to 23, 1987, many protesters were killed. In 1989, the OBC quota was split into two: Backward Castes and Most Backward Castes Vanniyars were categorised among the MBCs with 107 other communities, with 20% reservation. Three decades later, the state government passed a Bill, and the current government has implemented it with a Government Order ensuring 10.5% reservation for Vanniyars within the 20% MBC quota.